John Terry faces further investigation into whether he racially abused Anton
Ferdinand after the Football Association said it was reopening its inquiry.

The FA made its announcement immediately after Terry was cleared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court court of committing a racially aggravated public order offence following an incident between Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers last October.

The unsavoury case, which has brought some shameful publicity to the game, could be a watershed moment.

Gordon Taylor, the chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association last night admitted that the game’s image had been badly damaged and called on the Respect campaign to be stepped up.

“It has been an unedifying process and the game has been damaged as a result of the dirty linen being washed in public,” Taylor said.

"It’s not just the line between what is banter and what is illegal, so much of what we have heard this week needs to be cut out.

"The players are role models and everything now gets picked up on television. These insults and this language leads to things that should not be said.”

Had Terry been found guilty, he would have faced a maximum punishment of a £2,500 fine.

But it would have brought an end to his England career and put considerable pressure on Chelsea, who have supported their captain throughout and have a zero-tolerance policy towards racism, to terminate his contract.

Terry was acquitted by senior District Judge Howard Riddle after a week-long trial and will now go on holiday.

He will miss the first week of Chelsea’s pre-season tour to the United States.

The FA, which had a lawyer observing proceedings throughout the trial, was close to concluding its inquiries before the police got involved.

Although it is understood no evidence was brought to light of which the organisation was not already aware, it will review the judgment before deciding whether to bring its own charges against the defender.

Terry could still be charged with using abusive and insulting words and with making reference to Ferdinand’s ethnic origin and colour.

If so, he would face a ban from playing.

The FA’s statement read: “The FA notes the decision in the John Terry case and will now seek to conclude its own enquiries. The FA will make no further comment at this time.”

A decision is expected next week as to whether he will be charged.

The burden of proof for an FA charge is lower than in a criminal case — it is based on the balance of probabilities rather than beyond reasonable doubt.

Liverpool striker Luis Suárez was banned by the FA for eight matches after being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra in a case that never went to court.

The length of that ban reflected the fact that Suárez repeatedly called Evra “negro”.

Although Terry was acquitted, there will also be serious concern that games in which he plays next season could be tense as several footballers are unhappy with the verdict.

Players from both clubs have privately suggested they would find it hard to shake Terry’s hand.

Yesterday, QPR defender Fitz Hall took to the social network site Twitter, soon after the verdict, to post the messages “Shock” and “f–––––– joke”.

Hall’s was not a lone voice. John Amaechi, the former basketball player who was also awarded an OBE, commenting: “John Terry verdict is a travesty. Thanks football — you set entire country back a decade. Black –––– now officially OK to say.”

Jason Roberts, Reading’s Grenadan midfielder who has been a prominent voice throughout the affair, said via Twitter:

“Let us now turn our attentions to ensuring there is more equality in our game.

"We have a responsibility to the previous trailblazers and to the youth coming through, as well as our community, to effect change.”

He added a message to Anton Ferdinand: “I respect the courage and dignity yourself and your family have shown during this difficult time and I stand beside you.”

The pressure on the FA was acknowledged by Lord Ouseley, who chairs the anti-racism campaigning group Kick It Out, and also sits on the FA Council.

“I expect the FA to consider the evidence and to decide whether it contravenes the FA’s rule and regulations or not.

"I would expect the football regulatory body, that is the FA, to recommence its disciplinary procedures, which were interrupted by the police action and the subsequent court case. I believe that John Terry has this final hurdle to get over.

"We have to wait and see, though, if the FA decides to charge him.

"What we do know is that the FA has a responsibility to uphold the game.”

Garth Crooks the former striker and now a TV pundit, said: “This saga is not over for Terry. He’s still under investigation by the Football Association based on what he’s admitted.

"The FA need to decide if he’s broken any of their rules. I’m afraid that for John Terry, this is only half-time. This is not over.”

As the verdict was delivered in court, however, Chelsea supporters in the public gallery let out a roar of approval while Ferdinand’s family — neither Anton nor Rio were present — sat a few feet away. His parents Julian Ferdinand and Janice Lavender later left without comment.

Terry was impassive and left the court immediately, hailing a taxi.

Later his lawyer, Dan Morrison, said: “The court has today acquitted John Terry of all charges.

"He has consistently explained his position to the FA, the police and to the court. He did not racially abuse Mr Ferdinand and the court has accepted this.

"John would like to thank his legal team for their hard work and his family, friends and Chelsea Football Club for their support.”

Alison Saunders, Chief Crown Prosecutor for London, said: “The very serious allegation at the heart of this case was one of racial abuse.

"It was our view that this was not ‘banter’ on the football pitch and that the allegation should be judged by a court.

“The Chief Magistrate agreed that Mr Terry had a case to answer, but having heard all of the evidence he acquitted Mr Terry.

"That is justice being done and we respect the Chief Magistrate’s decision.”